Spinal Harness Apparatus and Method for Conducting Activities Requiring a Neutral Spinal Position and Spinal Rigidity

ABSTRACT

A spinal harness apparatus that includes a strapping system that is affixed to a rigid member that is worn by a user during activity that requires maintaining a neutral spinal position and spinal rigidity. An anterior surface of the rigid member is effectively linear and planar. The anterior surface may make contact with a dorsum of the user at approximate levels of an external occipital protuberance of the user, spinous processes of mid-thoracic vertebrae of the user, and a median sacral crest of the user. The rigid member may be tubular and consist of an inner and outer component with which a total length of the rigid member may be telescopically adjustable while maintaining a linear and planar contact surface. The strapping system may consist of an adjustable belt and suspenders or any other means of strapping. The strapping system is to be adjustably affixed to the rigid member as well as worn about a torso of the user.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.15/082,132, filed on Mar. 28, 2016, which claims the benefits of, andthe priority under 35 USC §120 from U.S. patent application Ser. No.15/082,132, filed Mar. 28, 2016, which is incorporated by referenceherein in its entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1.) Field of the Invention

This invention relates to a harness apparatus. More specifically, aspinal harness apparatus for providing neuromuscular reeducation byencouraging a neutral spinal position and spinal rigidity duringactivities to prevent injury and improve performance after use of saidapparatus.

2.) Description of the Prior Art Including Information Disclosed Under37 CFR 1.97 And 37 CFR 1.98

A neutral spinal position consists of a proper degree of cervical,thoracic, and lumbar curvature. A typical approach to teach anindividual neutral spinal positioning is for a trainer, therapist, ordoctor to hold a linear and planar surface, such as a dowel rod, againstthe individual's back throughout the movement of the activity. Thelinear and planar surface creates a series of contact points that alignthe spine in a neutral position, thus providing the individual with asense of orientation that represents a neutral spine. These linear andplanar contact points are a hallmark characteristic of this method.While this may be effective, two people are required because someone isneeded to hold a surface to the individual's back. What's more is thatthe practitioner holding the surface against the individual's back isleft occupied and less able to focus on other important cues thatencourage proper activity technique for the individual. In addition,this technique only partially trains the individual the required spinalrigidity for activities such as, but not limited to, the squat anddeadlift. To maintain proper spinal rigidity during such activities, anindividual must also learn the skill of diaphragmatic respiration. Bydoing so, an individual also learns the skill of “abdominal bracing”which is essential for maintaining spinal rigidity.

Although there is existing knowledge of technology that can be looselyconstrued to advocate spinal neutrality and rigidity, none of whichclearly address the aforementioned necessities.

U.S. Pat. No. 8,708,834 issued Apr. 29 2014, by Elizabeth Domangue forGolf Posture and Swing Training Harness discloses a training harnesssuitable to train a golfer proper golfing posture and golf swing. Theharness consists of a body harness equipped with a channel in which arigid shaft may be inserted. The harness may also include a scapula barslot that runs perpendicular to the shaft channel in which a scapula barmay be inserted. This harness is insufficient for use in the context ofactivities such as, but not limited to, resistance training for threereasons. Firstly, the rigid shaft is illustrated as being tapered fromthe proximal end to the distal end so that the shaft may fit into thechannel securely. This violates the linear and planar contact pointcharacteristic that is required to maintain a neutral spinal position.Because the shaft is less in diameter at the distal end, the wearer mayhave to over-extend the lumbar spine to make contact with the shaft.Secondly, the placement of said scapula bar may further disrupt therequired linear and planar contact point characteristic to maintain aneutral spine which may also lead to incorrect spinal positioning.Lastly, there is no proposed mechanism to encourage abdominal bracingwhich is a paramount feature of spinal rigidity when engaged inactivities that demand maximal structural integrity of the spine.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,719,640 issued Apr. 13 2004, by Darrin E. Madole forPosture Training Device and Methods for Using Same discloses a posturetraining device for improving the posture of a user when the user isengaged in certain activities, such as swinging a golf club. The devicecomprises of an elongated rigid member and rigid element covered in afabric, preferably a padded foam, having a securement element extendingtherefrom. There may also be shafts for which the securement elementscan be attached to. The device calls for at least one pair of securementelements to be secured to the user. Although this device and method maybe adequate in the context of golf, it is inadequate for use in thecontext of other activities for a multitude of reasons. Firstly, thelinear and planar contact point characteristic that is required tomaintain a neutral spinal position is violated. Although it is describedthat the back of the user's head is to make contact with a sufficientlyplanar rigid member, the user's upper back and lower back will makecontact with the rigid element, shafts, and fabric cover which hold thesecurement elements to the rigid member thereby disrupting the linearand planar characteristic of the contact point series. A secondviolation of the linear and planar contact point characteristic is thatthe described rigid member is broad which would result in lifting awayof the rigid member due to making excessive contact with paraspinalmusculature. Thirdly, the proposed means by which the securementelements are secured to the user would make it difficult for a user todon the device without the assistance of another person. The length andweight of the device would make it difficult to keep in the appropriateplace while the user attempts to fasten the securement elements in frontof themselves. Additionally, the device and method was designed to allowfor rotation during activity which may be appropriate for golfing, butnot in the least for activities such as the squat and deadlift. Lastly,there is no proposed mechanism to encourage abdominal bracing which is acrucial feature of spinal rigidity when engaged in activities thatdemand maximal structural integrity of the spine.

It is also important to distinguish contact at the external occipitalprotuberance from mere contact with the back of the head as both of theaforementioned inventions fail to specify. If the individual is makingcontact with the rigid member using their external occipitalprotuberance, cervical neutrality is ensured. However, if the individualis only to make contact using any part of the back of their head,cervical neutrality is unlikely as it is easy to over-extend thecervical spine to make contact between the rigid member and the back ofthe head.

Other devices such as U.S. Pat. No. 5,199,940, U.S. Pat. No. 5,685,831,and U.S. Pat. No. 5,868,961 involve some degree of strapping and a rigidmember to influence posture. These devices also include a means forstrapping the head of the user directly to the rigid member. This isproblematic in the context of activities such as the squat because onevariation of the squat involves placing a barbell on the user's upperback and if the head is strapped to the rigid member, the user would notbe able to position the barbell in said location. These devices, likethe aforesaid devices, also lack a means by which to influence theuser's breathing to encourage spinal rigidity.

Other devices are known to influence a user to breathediaphragmatically. Such devices include U.S. Pat. No. 1,074,846, U.S.Pat. No. 4,506,883, U.S. App. No. 2009138358, and U.S. App. No.20110230311. However, these devices provide little to no means toinfluence spinal position.

Therefore, what is called for is an apparatus and associated methodspecifically designed for activities that require a neutral spinalposition and spinal rigidity. Said apparatus should maintain a truelinear and planar contact point characteristic, involve a degree ofrespiratory modification, be easily donned and transported, becomfortable to wear, and be effectively utilized during activities thatdemand maximal structural integrity of the spine. Said apparatus shouldprovide neuromuscular reeducation by introducing quality movement andpositioning to an individual with the intent to retain quality movementand positioning in absence of said apparatus after use.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is a solution to the preceding limitations andinadequacies as made evident by the description of prior art bydelivering the called for apparatus.

Exercise programs may consist of a variety of activities that require aneutral spinal position and spinal rigidity including, but not limitedto, the squat and the deadlift. Engaging in such activities iswell-known to increase performance via adaptations made by muscular andneurological tissues. These adaptations may contribute to profoundimprovements in an individual's health status. However, if theactivities are performed in absence of proper form and execution, theseactivities may have a greater probability of causing injury.

During activities such as the squat and the deadlift, the spine andassociated musculature act to transmit power generated by hipmusculature to the opposing force that which the individual isattempting to move. To transmit this power effectively and safely, thespine must be in a neutral position and be effectively rigid throughoutthe movement in order to maintain maximal structural integrity of thespine. During such activity, movement at the head of the femur must beindependent from lumbo-pelvic movement at the hip joint. When this isaccomplished, it known as “hip hinging.” Hip hinging can only beaccomplished by maintaining a neutral spinal position and spinalrigidity. Consequently, when movement at the head of the femur and thelumbo-pelvic complex are coupled, spinal neutrality and rigidity arecompromised and the spine is exposed to increased shear force which canlead to injury and decreased performance. Accordingly, in order toperform such activities safely and effectively, the individual mustmaintain a neutral spinal position and maintain adequate spinal rigiditythroughout the movement of the activity.

A linear contact surface is aligned in a straight line. A planar contactsurface relates to a particular two-dimensional plane. Utilizing acontact surface that is furnished by a cylindrical rigid member is aneffective way to establish a contact surface that is both linear andplanar. As anterolateral surfaces of the cylindrical rigid memberconverge toward the anterior surface, a linear contact surface isprovided longitudinally along the anterior surface of the rigid member.The contact surface would also be planar as the contact surface would bepositioned in a single two-dimensional plane wherein the plane would betangent to the anterior surface of the rigid member. As discussed in thedescription of the prior art, several factors can disrupt the linear andplanar contact surface characteristic. One such factor would bepermitting fabric to serve as a contact surface. A contact surfaceprovided by fabric would be positioned in a different two-dimensionalplane than the contact surface provided by the rigid member. Fabric,such as padding, may deform relative to the amount of pressure exertedupon its surface which would also result in various planes of contactthroughout the contact surface as the user wears the apparatus. Alsodiscussed in the description of the prior art, another disruption of thelinear and planar contact surface characteristic would be implementing arigid member that is tapered wherein the various widths of the rigidmember would place the contact surface of the rigid member in varioustwo-dimensional planes.

The present invention ensures a neutral spinal position by providing arigid member with an effectively linear and planar surface that makescontact with the dorsum of an individual. The linear and planar surfaceof the rigid member makes contact at the approximate levels of theexternal occipital protuberance, spinous processes of the mid-thoracicspine, and the median sacral crest. The surface is to maintain contactwith these points throughout the process of the activity. If theindividual expresses too much cervical extension, contact may be lostbetween the rigid member surface and the mid-thoracic spine. If theindividual expresses too much cervical flexion, contact may be lostbetween the rigid member surface and the external occipitalprotuberance. If the individual expresses too much thoracic flexion,contact may be lost between the rigid member surface and the externaloccipital protuberance. If the individual expresses too much thoracicextension, contact may be lost between the rigid member surface and thethoracic spine. If the individual expresses too much lumbar extension,contact may be lost between the rigid member surface and the thoracicspine. If the individual expresses too much lumbar flexion, contact maybe lost between the rigid member surface and the median sacral crest.

The rigid member may be tubular and singular or consist of an inner andouter component that make the total length of the rigid membertelescopically adjustable to an infinite number of lengths within theparameters of the inner component. It is important that the series ofcontact points along the rigid member maintain a linear and planarcharacteristic. In regard to the telescopically adjustable embodiment,it is accomplished by splitting the outer component into a superior andinferior portion. The superior portion of the outer component is to makecontact with the individual at the approximate level of the externaloccipital protuberance where the inferior portion of the outer componentmakes contact with the individual at the approximate levels of thespinous processes of the mid-thoracic vertebrae and median sacral crest.The superior portion of the outer component is to be permanently boundto the inner component. The inner component may be free to slide withinthe inferior portion of the outer component. The inner component may bemarked with a graduating series of symbols wherein each symbolcorresponds with a particular total length of the rigid member. Theinferior portion of the outer component may contain a pair of holes onopposing sides that may be positioned to be congruent with a pluralityof holes in the inner component. The holes of the inner component andinferior portion of the outer component may be corresponded with eachother at various positions and joined by a coupler pin effectivelymaking the total length of the rigid member adjustable. In anotherembodiment, the inner component may be joined with the inferior portionof the outer component by means of a built-in or external adjustablemechanism. In a similar fashion, the total length of the rigid membermay be telescopically adjusted to an infinite number of lengths withinthe parameters of the inner component. In yet another embodiment, theinner component may be joined with the inferior portion of the outercomponent by means of a spring-loaded push button. The push button maybe installed within the inner component where it may extend beyond theinner component through a hole. This hole may be made to correspond witha plurality of holes at various increments along the inferior portion ofthe outer component through which the push button may also extendeffectively making the rigid member adjustable lengthwise. Similarly,the spring loaded push button may be double-headed. In this instance,there are two buttons that would extend beyond the inner component ofthe rigid member through push button holes on opposing sides. Theseholes may be made to correspond with a plurality of holes at variousincrements along the inferior portion of the outer component throughwhich the push buttons may also extend effectively making the rigidmember adjustable lengthwise.

To maintain proper spinal rigidity, an individual must learn the skillof diaphragmatic respiration. By doing so, the individual increasesintra-abdominal pressure and, when braced against the abdominal wallmusculature, increases spinal rigidity and structural integrity. Inorder to breathe diaphragmatically, one must learn to engage respiratorymusculature such as the diaphragm, pelvic floor musculature, andabdominal wall musculature while minimizing the use of respiratorymusculature that influence movement of the ribcage. As mentioned above,this is known as abdominal bracing and is an essential feature toachieving spinal rigidity.

The present invention promotes spinal rigidity via respiratorymodification enforced by the strapping system. The strapping system mayconsist of an adjustable belt and suspenders that may be affixed to therigid member in an infinite number of ways and worn about anindividual's torso. The belt portion is preferably, but not limited to,non-elastic in nature to modulate chest expansion during inspiration.This modulation of chest expansion discourages use of musculatureassociated with chest breathing and encourages use of musculatureassociated with diaphragmatic respiration. This strapping system alsomakes the apparatus easy to don and eliminates the need for assistancefrom another individual to put on. The suspenders may be equipped withshoulder padding. The terminal ends of the suspenders are joined withthe anterior and posterior aspects of the belt. All lengths of thesuspenders may be adjustable. The suspenders may be joined with therigid member by a variety of means. One such means may be built-in slotswithin the rigid member that the suspenders transverse. Another meansmay be binding the suspenders to the rigid member with a strip of fabricattached to the suspenders that loops around the rigid member. The beltmay also be joined with the rigid member by a variety of means. One suchmeans may be built in slots within the rigid member through which thebelt may transverse. Another means may be that the belt circumvents theposterior aspect of the rigid member and is held in place by a bracketthat may be affixed to the rigid member at various positions.

In another feature of the invention, there is disclosed a method forconducting activities that require a neutral spinal position and spinalrigidity with the intent of neuromuscular reeducation. These activitiesmay include, but are not limited to, the squat and the deadlift. Whileengaged in activity, an individual shall be equipped with the invention.The rigid member will make contact at the approximate levels of theindividual's external occipital protuberance, spinous processes of themid-thoracic vertebrae, and the median sacral crest. The individual isto maintain these points of contact throughout the process of theactivity. In addition, the individual will engage in diaphragmaticbreathing and abdominal bracing as cued by the strapping system that isworn about the individual's torso. The individual is to train with thepresent invention sufficiently so that when they engage in saidactivities in absence of the invention, spinal neutrality and rigidityare more likely to be preserved by means of neuromuscular reeducation.

In another application of the inventive spinal harness apparatus, therigid member may make contact with ventral aspect of a user's body atthe approximate levels of the pubic symphysis, the xiphoid process, andthe nose. This is an appropriate application for a user who exhibits alarge degree of lumbar extension or anterior pelvic tilt. In thisapplication, a belt portion of the strapping system may be disposedabout a user's waist. The suspender portion of the strapping system maybe forgone in this application to allow the inclination of the rigidmember to match the inclination of the user's pelvic tilt. By utilizingthis application, such user will be encouraged to maintain contact withthe rigid member at the appropriate levels during activities thatrequire a neutral spinal position and spinal rigidity. If a userexhibits too much anterior pelvic tilt or lumbar extension, the rigidmember will lose contact with the user's xiphoid process and nose. Thiswill encourage a user to exhibit less lumbar extension or anteriorpelvic tilt thereby bringing the rigid member back into contact with theuser at the appropriate levels.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING(S)

FIG. 1 is a right side view of a user wearing a spinal harness apparatusof the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a plan frontal view of a first embodiment of the rigid memberand the strapping system of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a plan frontal view of the posterior surface of a secondembodiment of the rigid member.

FIG. 4 is a plan frontal view of the posterior surface of a thirdembodiment of the rigid member.

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the adjustable portion of a fourthembodiment of the rigid member.

FIG. 6 is a plan right side view of a second embodiment of the beltportion of the strapping system as it relates to the rigid member.

FIG. 7 is a plan right side view of a first embodiment of the beltportion of the strapping system as it relates to the rigid member.

FIG. 8 is a plan frontal view of the inventive spinal harness apparatuswherein the suspender portion of the strapping system has been forgone.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMERALS

-   1 rigid member-   2 superior portion of the outer component of the rigid member-   3 inferior portion of the outer component of the rigid member-   4 inner component of the rigid member-   5 belt portion of the strapping system-   6 suspender portion of the strapping system-   7 loop in suspender portion of the strapping system-   8 posterior portion of the strapping system-   9 user-   10 weight-   11 coupler pin-   12 adjustable mechanism-   13 belt slot in the rigid member-   14 belt bracket-   15 belt portion of the strapping system securement mechanism-   16 adjustable component of the suspender portion of the strapping    system-   17 opposing coupler holes in inferior portion of the outer component    of the rigid member-   18 opposing coupler holes in the inner component of the rigid member-   19 spring-loaded push button-   20 push button hole in inferior portion of the outer component of    the rigid member-   21 push button hole in inner component of the rigid member-   22 graduated series of symbols

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION AS REQUIRED BY 37 CFR 1.71 ANDMPEP §608.01

Referring now more particularly to the drawings, there is shown in FIG.2 a plan frontal view of a first embodiment of the rigid member 1 andthe strapping system of the present invention. It comprises a rigidmember 1 with belt slots in the rigid member 13 (a right belt slot 13Rand a left belt slot 13L), a strapping system including a suspenderportion 6 (a right suspender portion 6R and a left suspender portion6L), a loop in the suspender portion of the strapping system 7, anadjustable component of the suspender portion of the strapping system 16(a right adjustable component 16R for the right suspender portion 6R, aleft adjustable component 16L for the left suspender portion 6L, and anadjustable component 16P for the posterior portion of the strappingsystem 8), a belt portion of the strapping system 5, and a belt portionof the strapping system securement mechanism 15. The rigid member 1 isshown as being singular, linear, and planar. The rigid member 1 may bepreferentially, but not limited to, a cylindrical shape to minimize thesurface area of the linear and planar contact points along the anteriorsurface of the rigid member 1. The total length of this first embodimentof the rigid member 1 is sufficient in length such that it accommodatesusers of varying sizes from the very tall to the very short. The rigidmember 1 may be made of any material that is sufficiently rigid such as,but not limited to, plastic and metal. It is noted that while the rigidmember 1 illustrated in FIG. 2 is as such, any other embodiment by whicha rigid member 1 maintains the necessary contact points along the dorsumof the user to accomplish the desired effects of the invention describedherein is suitable. The suspender portion of the strapping system 6 maybe padded by foam and made of appropriate material such as, but notlimited to, polyester, nylon, canvas, or leather. The suspender portionof the strapping system 6 may be infinitely adjustable within theparameters of the suspender material by the means of the adjustablecomponent of the suspender portion of the strapping system 16 which maybe comprised of a buckle, hook and loop fasteners (commerciallyavailable under the trademark VELCRO), or other equivalent knownfastener means. The terminal ends of the suspender portion of thestrapping system 6 may be fastened by glue, heat fusion, sewn, or anyother known fastening means to the belt portion of the strapping system5 anteriorly by extensions of the suspender portion of the strappingsystem 6 and posteriorly by a posterior portion of the strapping system8. A loop in the suspender portion of the strapping system 7 is providedfor securement of the rigid member 1 to the suspender portion of thestrapping system 6. Securement of the rigid member 1 to the suspenderportion of the strapping system 6 by the loop in the suspender portionof the strapping system 7 may be achieved by free passage of the rigidmember 1 through the loop in the suspender portion of the strappingsystem 7 rendering the securement infinitely adjustable within theparameters of the rigid member 1. The belt portion of the strappingsystem 5 is shown as secured to the rigid member 1 by means of beltslots in the rigid member 13. It is noted that any other embodiment ofsecuring the belt portion of the strapping system 5 to the rigid member1 is suitable as long as the means does not interfere with the functionof the inventive spinal harness apparatus described herein. The beltportion of the strapping system 5 may be made of material such as, butnot limited to, polyester, nylon, canvas, or leather. The terminal endsof the belt portion of the strapping system 5 may be joined anteriorlyby the means of a belt portion of the strapping system securementmechanism 15 which may be comprised of a buckle, hook and loop fastener(commercially available under the trademark VELCRO), or other equivalentknown securement means.

There is shown in FIG. 8 a plan frontal view of the inventive spinalharness apparatus wherein the suspender portion of the strapping system6 has been forgone. The apparatus as shown in FIG. 8 is similar to theapparatus as shown in FIG. 2 except that the suspender portion of thestrapping system 6 has been forgone. It comprises a rigid member 1 withbelt slots in the rigid member 13 (a right belt slot 13R and a left beltslot 13L), a strapping system including a belt portion of the strappingsystem 5 and a belt portion of the strapping system securement mechanism15. In addition to the application of the rigid member 1 making contactwith the dorsum of the user, another application of the inventive spinalharness apparatus includes the rigid member 1 making contact with aventral aspect of a user's body at the approximate levels of the pubicsymphysis, the xiphoid process, and the nose (not shown). This is anappropriate application for a user who exhibits a large degree of lumbarextension or anterior pelvic tilt. In this application, a belt portionof the strapping system 5 may be disposed about a user's waist. Thesuspender portion of the strapping system 6 may be forgone in thisapplication to allow the inclination of the rigid member to match theinclination of the user's pelvic tilt. By utilizing this application,such user will be encouraged to maintain contact with the rigid member 1at the appropriate levels during activities that require a neutralspinal position and spinal rigidity. If a user exhibits too muchanterior pelvic tilt or lumbar extension, the rigid member 1 will losecontact with the user's xiphoid process and nose. This will encourage auser to exhibit less lumbar extension or anterior pelvic tilt therebybringing the rigid member 1 back into contact with the user at theappropriate levels.

There is shown in FIG. 3 a plan frontal view of the posterior surface ofa second embodiment of the rigid member 1. It is comprised of a superiorportion of the outer component of the rigid member 2, an inferiorportion of the outer component of the rigid member 3, an inner componentof the rigid member 4, a coupler pin 11, coupler holes in the inferiorportion of the outer component of the rigid member 17 (right couplerholes 17R and left coupler holes 17L), coupler holes in the innercomponent of the rigid member 18 (right coupler holes 18R and leftcoupler holes 18L), and a belt bracket 14. The components of the rigidmember 1 may be preferentially, but not limited to, a cylindrical shapeto minimize the surface area of the linear and planar contact pointsalong the anterior surface of the rigid member 1. The primary differencebetween the rigid member 1 shown in FIG. 2 and the rigid member 1 shownin FIG. 3 is that the total length of the rigid member 1 illustrated inFIG. 3 is telescopically adjustable. The superior portion of the outercomponent of the rigid member 2, the inner component of the rigid member4, and the inferior portion of the outer component of the rigid member 3may be made of similar plastic or metallic material as described for thefirst embodiment of the rigid member 1. The diameters of the superiorportion of the outer component of the rigid member 2 and the inferiorportion of the outer component of the rigid member 3 are to be slightlygreater than the diameter of the inner component of the rigid member 4such that the inner component of the rigid member 4 may be fitted insidethe superior portion of the outer component of the rigid member 2 andthe inferior portion of the outer component of the rigid member 3. Thesuperior portion of the outer component of the rigid member 2 ispreferably bonded permanently to the inner component of the rigid member4 by the means of cement, glue, weld, or other equivalent known bondingmeans. The inner component of the rigid member 4 may be inserted intothe inferior portion of the outer component of the rigid member 3 suchthat these members become telescopically adjustable within one another.There may be a set of opposing coupler holes in the inferior portion ofthe outer component of the rigid member 17 that may correspond with aplurality of opposing coupler holes in the inner component of the rigidmember 18. When the set of opposing coupler holes in the inferiorportion of the outer component of the rigid member 17 are aligned withany of the plurality of opposing coupler holes in the inner component ofthe rigid member 18, a coupler pin 11 may be inserted and securedthrough these holes thereby securing the inferior portion of the outercomponent of the rigid member 3 to the inner component of the rigidmember 4. By doing so, this securement makes the total length of therigid member 1 selectable depending on which of the plurality ofopposing coupler holes in the inner component of the rigid member 18 arecorresponded with the opposing coupler holes in the inferior portion ofthe outer component of the rigid member 17. It is noted that because thediameter of the superior portion of the outer component of the rigidmember 2 is identical to the diameter of the inferior portion of theouter component of the rigid member 3, the linear and planar contactpoint characteristic is maintained along the anterior surface of therigid member 1. A belt bracket 14 is shown affixed to the posterioraspect of the inferior portion of the outer component of the rigidmember 3. The belt bracket 14 may have a similar construct to that of astandard door handle thereby creating a passage between the belt bracket14 and the inferior portion of the outer component of the rigid member 3through which a belt may pass. It is noted that although this is oneembodiment of securing a belt portion of the strapping system 5 to therigid member 1, any means of securing a belt to a rigid member isacceptable as long it does not interfere with the function of theinventive spinal harness apparatus described herein. It is also notedthat a detailed view of this belt securement is shown in FIG. 7 and anadditional embodiment of affixing a belt to a rigid member is shown inFIG. 6.

There is shown in FIG. 4 a plan frontal view of the posterior surface ofa third embodiment of the rigid member 1. It is comprised of a superiorportion of the outer component of the rigid member 2, an inferiorportion of the outer component of the rigid member 3, an inner componentof the rigid member 4, a graduated series of symbols 22, an adjustablemechanism 12, and a pair of belt slots in the rigid member 13 (rightbelt slot 13R and left belt slot 13L). The components of the rigidmember 1 may be preferentially, but not limited to, a cylindrical shapeto minimize the surface area of the linear and planar contact pointsalong the anterior surface of the rigid member 1. The primary differencebetween the rigid member 1 shown in FIG. 2 and the rigid member 1 shownin FIG. 4 is that the total length of the rigid member 1 illustrated inFIG. 4 is telescopically adjustable to an infinite number of lengthswithin the parameters of the inner component of the rigid member 4. Theprimary difference between the rigid member 1 shown in FIG. 3 and therigid member 1 shown in FIG. 4 is the manner in which the rigid member 1is modulated lengthwise wherein the rigid member 1 in FIG. 4 utilizes anadjustable mechanism 12 to secure the inferior portion of the outercomponent of the rigid member 3 to the inner component of the rigidmember 4. The superior portion of the outer component of the rigidmember 2, the inner component of the rigid member 4, and the inferiorportion of the outer component of the rigid member 3 may be made ofsimilar plastic or metallic material as described for the first andsecond embodiments of the rigid member 1. The diameters of the superiorportion of the outer component of the rigid member 2 and the inferiorportion of the outer component of the rigid member 3 are to be slightlygreater than the diameter of the inner component of the rigid member 4such that the inner component of the rigid member 4 may be fitted insidethe superior portion of the outer component of the rigid member 2 andthe inferior portion of the outer component of the rigid member 3. Thesuperior portion of the outer component of the rigid member 2 ispreferably bonded permanently to the inner component of the rigid member4 by the means of cement, glue, weld, or other equivalent known bondingmeans. The inner component of the rigid member 4 may be inserted intothe inferior portion of the outer component of the rigid member 3 suchthat these members become telescopically adjustable within one anotherto an infinite number of lengths within the parameters of the innercomponent of the rigid member 4. There may be an adjustable mechanism 12built into, or external to, the inferior portion of the outer componentof the rigid member 3. This adjustable mechanism 12 may be “twist andlock” in nature, a threaded wingnut through a threaded hole, or otherequivalent known adjusting means. The total length of the rigid member 1may be selectable by sliding the inner component of the rigid member 4within the inferior portion of the outer component of the rigid member 3to a desired position and engaging the adjustable mechanism 12 to securethe components in the desired position. While a user is selecting atotal length of the rigid member 1, a user may choose to reference agraduated series of symbols 22 wherein each symbol corresponds with aparticular total length of the rigid member 1. It is noted that becausethe diameter of the superior portion of the outer component of the rigidmember 2 is identical to the diameter of the inferior portion of theouter component of the rigid member 3, the linear and planar contactpoint characteristic is maintained along the anterior surface of therigid member 1. As another embodiment of securing a belt to a rigidmember, shown in FIG. 4 is a set of belt slots in the rigid member 13.The belt slots in the rigid member 13 create a passage through which abelt may pass through the rigid member 1 thereby securing a belt portionof the strapping system 5 to the rigid member 1. It is noted thatalthough this is a second embodiment of securing a belt portion of thestrapping system 5 to the rigid member 1, any means of securing a beltto a rigid member is acceptable as long it does not interfere with thefunction of the inventive spinal harness apparatus described herein. Itis also noted that a detailed view of this second belt securementembodiment is shown in FIG. 6 and a first embodiment of affixing a beltto a rigid member is shown in FIG. 7.

There is shown in FIG. 5 a cross-sectional view of the adjustableportion of a fourth embodiment of the rigid member 1. It is comprised ofa superior portion of the outer component of the rigid member 2, aninferior portion of the outer component of the rigid member 3, an innercomponent of the rigid member 4, a spring-loaded push button 19, a pushbutton hole in the inner component of the rigid member 21, and aplurality of push button holes in the inferior portion of the outercomponent of the rigid member 20. The components of the rigid member 1may be preferentially, but not limited to, a cylindrical shape tominimize the surface area of the linear and planar contact points alongthe anterior surface of the rigid member 1. The primary differencebetween the rigid member 1 shown in FIG. 2 and the adjustable portion ofthe rigid member 1 shown in FIG. 5 is that the total length of the rigidmember 1 illustrated in FIG. 5 is telescopically adjustable. The primarydifference between the rigid members 1 shown in FIG. 3 and FIG. 4 fromthe adjustable portion of the rigid member 1 shown in FIG. 5 is themanner in which the rigid member 1 is modulated lengthwise wherein therigid member 1 in FIG. 5 utilizes a spring-loaded push button 19 tosecure the inferior portion of the outer component of the rigid member 3to the inner component of the rigid member 4. The spring-loaded pushbutton 19 may be single-headed (shown in FIG. 5) or double-headed (notshown). The superior portion of the outer component of the rigid member2, the inner component of the rigid member 4, and the inferior portionof the outer component of the rigid member 3 may be made of similarplastic or metallic material as described for the first, second, andthird embodiments of the rigid member 1. The diameters of the superiorportion of the outer component of the rigid member 2 and the inferiorportion of the outer component of the rigid member 3 are to be slightlygreater than the diameter of the inner component of the rigid member 4such that the inner component of the rigid member 4 may be fitted insidethe superior portion of the outer component of the rigid member 2 andthe inferior portion of the outer component of the rigid member 3. Thesuperior portion of the outer component of the rigid member 2 ispreferably bonded permanently to the inner component of the rigid member4 by the means of cement, glue, weld, or other equivalent known bondingmeans. The inner component of the rigid member 4 may be inserted intothe inferior portion of the outer component of the rigid member 3 suchthat these members become telescopically adjustable within one another.There may be a spring-loaded push button 19 installed within the innercomponent of the rigid member 4 where it may extend beyond the innercomponent of the rigid member 4 through a push button hole in the innercomponent of the rigid member 21. This hole may be made to correspondwith a plurality of push button holes in the inferior portion of theouter component of the rigid member 20. When the push button hole in theinner component of the rigid member 21 is aligned with a particular pushbutton hole in the inferior portion of the outer component of the rigidmember 20, the spring-loaded push button 19 may extend through both theinner component of the rigid member 4 and the inferior portion of theouter component of the rigid member 3 thereby securing these componentsin a particular orientation. This feature allows the total length of therigid member 1 to be telescopically adjustable depending on which pushbutton hole in the inferior portion of the outer component of the rigidmember 20 is aligned with the push button hole in the inner component ofthe rigid member 21 through which a spring-loaded push button 19 maypass. To select a particular total length of the rigid member 1, thespring loaded push button 19 may be depressed such that it only passesthrough the inner component of the rigid member 4 thereby allowing theinner component of the rigid member 4 to slide within the inferiorportion of the outer component of the rigid member 3 until the desiredtotal length of the rigid member 1 is reached at which point a pushbutton hole in the inferior portion of the outer component of the rigidmember 20 is allowed to be aligned with the push button hole in theinner component of the rigid member 21 through which a spring-loadedpush button 19 may pass. It is noted that because the diameter of thesuperior portion of the outer component of the rigid member 2 isidentical to the diameter of the inferior portion of the outer componentof the rigid member 3, the linear and planar contact pointcharacteristic is maintained along the anterior surface of the rigidmember 1.

There is shown in FIG. 6 a plan right side view of a second embodimentof the belt portion of the strapping system 5 as it relates to the rigidmember 1. It comprises of a rigid member 1, a belt slot in the rigidmember 13 (shown as 13R), and a belt portion of the strapping system 5.The rigid member 1 shown in FIG. 6 may be of the embodiments shown inFIG. 1, FIG. 2, FIG. 3, FIG. 4, or FIG. 5. The shown belt slot in therigid member 13R preferably has a corresponding belt slot 13L on theopposite side of the rigid member 1 which is not shown. The belt slotsin the rigid member 13R and 13L provide passage through the rigid member1 which a belt portion of the strapping system 5 may pass. It is notedthat the belt slots in the rigid member 13 are shown as existing in therigid member 1 at a single level but they may also exist in pluralityalong the rigid member providing multiple sites at which a belt portionof the strapping system 5 may be secured to the rigid member 1.

There is shown in FIG. 7 a plan right side view of a first embodiment ofthe belt portion of the strapping system 5 as it relates to the rigidmember 1. It comprises a rigid member 1, a belt portion of the strappingsystem 5, and a belt bracket 14. The rigid member 1 shown in FIG. 7 maybe of the embodiments shown in FIG. 1, FIG. 2, FIG. 3, FIG. 4, or FIG.5. A belt bracket 14 is shown affixed to the posterior aspect of therigid member 1. The belt bracket 14 may have a similar construct to thatof a standard door handle thereby creating a passage between the beltbracket 14 and the rigid member 1 through which a belt portion of thestrapping system 5 may pass. It is noted that the belt bracket 14 isshown as existing affixed to the rigid member 1 at a single level butthe belt bracket 14 and rigid member 1 are preferentially constructedsuch that the locus of the belt bracket 14 along the posterior aspect ofthe rigid member 1 is easily modifiable to meet the needs of differentuser sizes. This may be done by equipping the posterior aspect of therigid member 1 with multiple sites to screw, bolt, or snap the beltbracket 14 to the rigid member 1.

Shown in FIG. 1 is a right side view of a user 9 wearing a spinalharness apparatus of the present invention. It comprises a rigid member1, a superior portion of the outer component of the rigid member 2, aninferior portion of the outer component of the rigid member 3, an innercomponent of the rigid member 4, a belt portion of the strapping system5, a suspender portion of the strapping system 6 (shown as 6R), aposterior portion of the strapping system 8, a user 9 wearing thepresent invention, a weight 10, an adjustable mechanism 12, and a beltslot in the rigid member 13 (shown as 13R). The shown rigid member 1resembles the embodiments as described in FIG. 4 and FIG. 6. It is notedthat although the rigid member 1 shown in FIG. 1 is as such, anycombination of embodiments of a rigid member 1 described in FIG. 2, FIG.3, FIG. 4, FIG. 5, FIG. 6, and FIG. 7 or any other embodiments by whicha rigid member 1 maintains the necessary contact points along the dorsumof the user to accomplish the desired effects of the invention describedherein are suitable. The user 9 is shown engaged in the deadliftexercise lifting a weight 10. It is noted that while this particularexercise is illustrated, any other activity that requires a neutralspinal position and spinal rigidity are appropriate for the purposes ofthe inventive spinal harness apparatus described herein. Otheractivities may include, but are not limited to, the squat, kettlebellexercises, core exercises such as planks, and the glute-ham developer.

Professionals that may find use of this invention may include, but notbe limited to, medical doctors, physiotherapists, occupationaltherapists, chiropractors, athletic trainers, personal trainers,strength and conditioning coaches, and physical education instructors.Among these professionals, there may be clinical and educationalapplications of the invention. For example, the invention may beutilized by a health care professional with the intent to improve apatient's performance of activities of daily living.

The inventive device may also be used for other applications whichrequire appropriate bodily positioning and technique such as occupationsthat require lifting and lowering of objects. For example, the inventivedevice may be utilized by employers to train employees handing packagesand parcels to properly lift and lower packages and parcels with theintent to decrease the likeliness of injury on the job site.

It is in accordance that although conventional embodiments of thepresent invention have been presented and described, it is understoodthat potential for modifications and variations may exist withoutdeviating from the scope of the invention. All the terms used herein,whether technical, scientific, or otherwise, are descriptive, ratherthan limiting, and have the same usual and customary meaning as commonlycomprehended by one ordinarily skilled in the art to which thisinvention occupies.

1. A spinal harness apparatus comprising a rigid member and a strappingsystem; wherein the rigid member is not tapered; wherein the rigidmember is configured for direct contact with multiple levels of a user'sbody, whereby each level of contact is a direct contact between therigid member and the user's body; wherein a contact surface of the rigidmember relates to a particular two-dimensional plane at each level ofcontact between the contact surface and the user's body; wherein thestrapping system is secured to the rigid member; wherein the strappingsystem transverses a posterior aspect of the rigid member from a leftside of the rigid member to a right side of the rigid member; whereinthe strapping system is configured to secure the rigid member to theuser's body.
 2. The apparatus as recited in claim 1, wherein thestrapping system comprises at least a belt portion of the strappingsystem; wherein the belt portion is infinitely adjustable in lengthbetween a minimum total length of the belt portion and a maximum totallength of the belt portion, whereby the minimum and maximum totallengths of the belt portion are respectively configured for use by theuser having a circumferentially small torso and the user having acircumferentially large torso.
 3. The apparatus a recited in claim 1,wherein the strapping system comprises a suspender portion of thestrapping system and the belt portion of the strapping system; whereinthe suspender portion is infinitely adjustable in length between aminimum total length of the suspender portion and a maximum total lengthof the suspender portion, whereby the minimum and maximum total lengthsof suspender portion are respectively configured for use by the userhaving a longitudinally small torso and the user having a longitudinallylarge torso; wherein the belt portion is infinitely adjustable in lengthbetween the minimum total length of the belt portion and the maximumtotal length of the belt portion, whereby the minimum and maximum totallengths of the belt portion are respectively configured for use by theuser having the circumferentially small torso and the user having thecircumferentially large torso.
 4. The apparatus a recited in claim 3,wherein terminal ends of the suspender portion are fastened to the beltportion.
 5. The apparatus as recited in claim 4, wherein the suspenderportion of the strapping system is fastened posteriorly to the beltportion of the strapping system by a posterior portion of the strappingsystem; wherein the posterior portion of the strapping system isindependently adjustable in length between a minimum total length of theposterior portion and a maximum total length of the posterior portion,whereby the minimum and maximum total lengths of the posterior portionof the strapping system are respectively configured for use by the userhaving the longitudinally small torso and the user having thelongitudinally large torso.
 6. The apparatus as recited in claim 1,wherein the rigid member is singular; wherein a total length of therigid member is to be configured for use by the user having a shortstature and the user having a tall stature.
 7. The apparatus as recitedin claim 6, wherein the rigid member possesses at least one pair ofslots through which a portion of the strapping system may pass.
 8. Theapparatus as recited in claim 6, wherein the rigid member possesses atleast one bracket that is affixed to the rigid member; wherein thebracket provides a passage between the bracket and the rigid memberthrough which a portion of the strapping system may pass.
 9. Theapparatus as recited in claim 6, wherein the strapping system comprisesat least the belt portion of the strapping system; wherein the beltportion is infinitely adjustable in length between the minimum totallength of the belt portion and the maximum total length of the beltportion, whereby the minimum and maximum total lengths of the beltportion are respectively configured for use by the user having thecircumferentially small torso and the user having the circumferentiallylarge torso.
 10. The apparatus as recited in claim 6, wherein thestrapping system comprises the suspender portion of the strapping systemand the belt portion of the strapping system; wherein the suspenderportion is infinitely adjustable in length between the minimum totallength of the suspender portion and the maximum total length of thesuspender portion, whereby the minimum and maximum total lengths ofsuspender portion are respectively configured for use by the user havingthe longitudinally short torso and the user having the longitudinallylong torso; wherein the belt portion is infinitely adjustable in lengthbetween the minimum total length of the belt portion and the maximumtotal length of the belt portion, whereby the minimum and maximum totallengths of the belt portion are respectively configured for use by theuser having the circumferentially small torso and the user having thecircumferentially large torso.
 11. The apparatus as recited in claim 1,wherein a total length of the rigid member is telescopically adjustableto an infinite number of lengths between a minimum total length of therigid member and a maximum total length of the rigid member, whereby theminimum and maximum total lengths of the rigid member are respectivelyconfigured for use by the user having the short stature and the userhaving the tall stature.
 12. The apparatus as recited in claim 11,wherein the strapping system comprises at least the belt portion of thestrapping system; wherein the belt portion is infinitely adjustable inlength between the minimum total length of the belt portion and themaximum total length of the belt portion, whereby the minimum andmaximum total lengths of the belt portion are respectively configuredfor use by the user having the circumferentially small torso and theuser having the circumferentially large torso.
 13. The apparatus asrecited in claim 11, wherein the strapping system comprises thesuspender portion of the strapping system and the belt portion of thestrapping system; wherein the suspender portion is infinitely adjustablein length between the minimum total length of the suspender portion andthe maximum total length of the suspender portion, whereby the minimumand maximum total lengths of suspender portion are respectivelyconfigured for use by the user having the longitudinally small torso andthe user having the longitudinally large torso; wherein the belt portionis infinitely adjustable in length between the minimum total length ofthe belt portion and the maximum total length of the belt portion,whereby the minimum and maximum total lengths of the belt portion arerespectively configured for use by the user having the circumferentiallysmall torso and the user having the circumferentially large torso. 14.The apparatus as recited in claim 1, wherein the rigid member issingular; wherein a total length of the rigid member is to be configuredfor use by the user having a short stature and the user having a tallstature; wherein the strapping system comprises the suspender portion ofthe strapping system and the belt portion of the strapping system;wherein the suspender portion is infinitely adjustable in length betweenthe minimum total length of the suspender portion and the maximum totallength of the suspender portion, whereby the minimum and maximum totallengths of suspender portion are respectively configured for use by theuser having the longitudinally short torso and the user having thelongitudinally long torso; wherein the belt portion is infinitelyadjustable in length between the minimum total length of the beltportion and the maximum total length of the belt portion, whereby theminimum and maximum total lengths of the belt portion are respectivelyconfigured for use by the user having the circumferentially small torsoand the user having the circumferentially large torso; wherein terminalends of the suspender portion are fastened to the belt portion.
 15. Theapparatus as recited in claim 14, wherein the suspender portion of thestrapping system is fastened posteriorly to the belt portion of thestrapping system by a posterior portion of the strapping system; whereinthe posterior portion of the strapping system is independentlyadjustable in length between a minimum total length of the posteriorportion and a maximum total length of the posterior portion, whereby theminimum and maximum total lengths of the posterior portion of thestrapping system are respectively configured for use by the user havingthe longitudinally small torso and the user having the longitudinallylarge torso.
 16. The apparatus as recited in claim 1, wherein the totallength of the rigid member is telescopically adjustable to an infinitenumber of lengths between the minimum total length of the rigid memberand the maximum total length of the rigid member, whereby the minimumand maximum total lengths of the rigid member are respectivelyconfigured for use by the user having the short stature and the userhaving the tall stature; wherein the strapping system comprises thesuspender portion of the strapping system and the belt portion of thestrapping system; wherein the suspender portion is infinitely adjustablein length between the minimum total length of the suspender portion andthe maximum total length of the suspender portion, whereby the minimumand maximum total lengths of suspender portion are respectivelyconfigured for use by the user having the longitudinally small torso andthe user having the longitudinally large torso; wherein the belt portionis infinitely adjustable in length between the minimum total length ofthe belt portion and the maximum total length of the belt portion,whereby the minimum and maximum total lengths of the belt portion arerespectively configured for use by the user having the circumferentiallysmall torso and the user having the circumferentially large torso;wherein terminal ends of the suspender portion are fastened to the beltportion.
 17. The apparatus as recited in claim 16, wherein the suspenderportion of the strapping system is fastened posteriorly to the beltportion of the strapping system by a posterior portion of the strappingsystem; wherein the posterior portion of the strapping system isindependently adjustable in length between a minimum total length of theposterior portion and a maximum total length of the posterior portion,whereby the minimum and maximum total lengths of the posterior portionof the strapping system are respectively configured for use by the userhaving the longitudinally small torso and the user having thelongitudinally large torso.
 18. A method for providing neuromuscularreeducation by encouraging a neutral spinal position and spinal rigidityduring physical activity to prevent injury and improve performance,comprising: Disposing a rigid member along a body of a user; wherein therigid member is not tapered; wherein the rigid member is configured fordirect contact with multiple levels of the user's body, whereby eachlevel of contact is a direct contact between the rigid member and theuser's body; wherein a contact surface of the rigid member relates to aparticular two-dimensional plane at each level of contact between thecontact surface and the user's body; wherein the strapping system issecured to the rigid member; wherein the strapping system transverses aposterior aspect of the rigid member from a left side of the rigidmember to a right side of the rigid member; wherein the strapping systemis configured to secure the rigid member to the user's body; wherein theuser is encouraged to maintain contact with the rigid member throughouta duration of the neuromuscular reeducation.
 19. The method as recitedin claim 19, wherein the contact surface of the rigid member makescontact with a dorsum of the user at approximate levels of an externaloccipital protuberance of the user, spinous processes of mid-thoracicvertebrae of the user, and a median sacral crest of the user.